OLYMPIC hockey star Laura Unsworth is to open Lye’s new Aldi store this Thursday (September 20).

The Team GB star, who won gold as part of the women’s hockey event at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, will officially 'cut the ribbon' to declare the store in Thorns Road open at 8am.

She will also be presenting the first 30 shoppers to arrive on opening morning with a complimentary bag of fruit and vegetables as part of Aldi's Get Set to Eat fresh initiative which aims to promote the benefits of cooking fresh, healthy food.

Following the store opening - the hockey player will also visit Rufford Primary School to talk to pupils about her Olympic journey, including how she got to where she is today and the role healthy eating played in her success.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to my morning at Aldi Lye, where I’ll be meeting and greeting customers, showing them my medal and handing out some fresh fruit and veg. I hope to inspire both customers and pupils of Rufford Primary School to stay active and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. With so much fresh produce on offer at Aldi, it’s really easy to do so.”

Store manager, Marius Snyman, added: “We’re delighted Laura will be joining our grand opening celebrations to welcome the local community to its new Aldi store – it’s not every day you meet an Olympic hero."

The new store, which has seen 36 jobs created, will be open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.